Known for its vibrant culture, delectable food and rich history, Lucknow is the land of nawabs. It has now expressed its intentions to go global. Lucknow has officially submitted its nominations for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) to be titled “City of Gastronomy”.
Currently, only one Indian city holds this title, Hyderabad. As announced by Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob, the city has “submitted the nomination, additional data will be sent by the end of June”. It was, however, a pre-requisite that “UNESCO (may) conduct a field visit to verify” the claims. He added, “Lucknow’s culinary culture is not historic- it’s a living tradition passed down over centuries.”
What entails the nomination?
The nomination was coordinated by Lucknow’s Department of Tourism and Culture. It prominently displays the city’s rich Awadhi flare including the very iconography of Lucknow – nihari, biryani, khasta, kulfi and jalebi.
Heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah, appointed to prepare the Unesco dossier, noted, “Lucknow’s gastronomic heritage was enriched by the royal kitchens of Awadh and continues to thrive across communities—from Brahmins and Baniyas to Kayasthas, Khattris and working-class families. The city offers a diverse culinary ecosystem, from legendary kebabs to humble khasta and puri-sabzi.”
Officials are hopeful that “Lucknow will make the cut”. Experts laud Lucknow for the “compelling case” it makes. Pointing out the “artistry of Awadhi cooking”, a local food chain operator quoted by TOI, said,”Lucknow isn’t just about food, it’s about storytelling through cuisine”.
UNESCO’s Creative City Network: Gastronomy Sector
Cities from around the globe are a part of this network which recognises, celebrates and honours the rich cultures. Alba (Italy), Arequipa (Peru), Bergen (Norway), Belem (Brazil), and Bendigo (Australia) are already part of the list under the gastronomy category.
Indian cities in the UCCN
As of 2023, ten Indian cities are a part of the network. Kozhikode (Literature) and Gwalior (Music) feature in this list. Earlier, Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts) have also held the spot.
